Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa spoke to the press ahead of Friday’s Sky Bet Championship encounter with Middlesbrough.

Both sides head into the clash at Elland Road unbeaten in the division and level on points, with four wins and a draw each.

A capacity crowd is expected for the fixture and Bielsa was quizzed on if he thought this would be the toughest test yet…

“It is difficult to make comparisons, because when we played against Stoke and Swansea, we had an opposition against us who were a couple of months ago Premier League sides,” said Bielsa.

“Middlesbrough are an important rival opponent, there is no doubt about that and it will be a very difficult and tough game.

“I don’t want to put a classification between teams, for me the next game is always the most difficult one and in this particular case, we have many reasons to believe that this game will be the hardest one.



“We have a challenge between two teams who have the same number of points and two teams that occupy the first and second rank.

“Middlesbrough’s style is well known and their head coach (Tony Pulis) is a legend in English football.”

Bielsa also gave an update on the current injury situation at the club, ahead of Friday’s fixture.

He said: “Liam Cooper has a chance of playing on Friday and Adam Forshaw will be available again after the international break.

“If Liam comes back, it will be a plus for the team, he is a captain and he is an important and courageous player.

“If he can’t play, we have other options for this position and these options offer the same qualities.

“Pontus Jansson was one of the best players in the last two games and in the matches he has been involved in, has played close to his potential.

“I don’t know if Tom Pearce or Jamie Shackleton will be available on Friday or not yet.”